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Oskouian B, Lee JY, Asgharzadeh S, Khan R, Zhang M, Weisbrod JR, Choi YJ, Puri L, Aguilar AE, Zhao P, Saba JD. AF1q is a universal marker of neuroblastoma that sustains N-Myc expression and drives tumorigenesis. Oncogene 2024; 43:1203-1213. [PMID: 38413795 PMCID: PMC11014797 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02980-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial malignant tumor of childhood, accounting for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths. Despite significant advances in our understanding of neuroblastoma biology, five-year survival rates for high-risk disease remain less than 50%, highlighting the importance of identifying novel therapeutic targets to combat the disease. MYCN amplification is the most frequent and predictive molecular aberration correlating with poor outcome in neuroblastoma. N-Myc is a short-lived protein primarily due to its rapid proteasomal degradation, a potentially exploitable vulnerability in neuroblastoma. AF1q is an oncoprotein with established roles in leukemia and solid tumor progression. It is normally expressed in brain and sympathetic neurons and has been postulated to play a part in neural differentiation. However, no role for AF1q in tumors of neural origin has been reported. In this study, we found AF1q to be a universal marker of neuroblastoma tumors. Silencing AF1q in neuroblastoma cells caused proteasomal degradation of N-Myc through Ras/ERK and AKT/GSK3β pathways, activated p53 and blocked cell cycle progression, culminating in cell death via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Moreover, silencing AF1q attenuated neuroblastoma tumorigenicity in vivo signifying AF1q's importance in neuroblastoma oncogenesis. Our findings reveal AF1q to be a novel regulator of N-Myc and potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Oskouian
- Department of Pediatrics and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joanna Y Lee
- Department of Pediatrics and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shahab Asgharzadeh
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ranjha Khan
- Department of Pediatrics and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia R Weisbrod
- Department of Pediatrics and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Youn-Jeong Choi
- Department of Pediatrics and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Latika Puri
- Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Ana E Aguilar
- Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Piming Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julie D Saba
- Department of Pediatrics and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Currie D, Wong N, Zane I, Rix T, Vardakastanis M, Claxton A, Ong KKV, Macmorland W, Poivet A, Brooks A, Niola P, Huntley D, Montano X. A Potential Prognostic Gene Signature Associated with p53-Dependent NTRK1 Activation and Increased Survival of Neuroblastoma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:722. [PMID: 38398114 PMCID: PMC10886603 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children, comprising close to 10% of childhood cancer-related deaths. We have demonstrated that activation of NTRK1 by TP53 repression of PTPN6 expression is significantly associated with favourable survival in neuroblastoma. The molecular mechanisms by which this activation elicits cell molecular changes need to be determined. This is critical to identify dependable biomarkers for the early detection and prognosis of tumours, and for the development of personalised treatment. In this investigation we have identified and validated a gene signature for the prognosis of neuroblastoma using genes differentially expressed upon activation of the NTRK1-PTPN6-TP53 module. A random survival forest model was used to construct a gene signature, which was then assessed across validation datasets using Kaplan-Meier analysis and ROC curves. The analysis demonstrated that high BASP1, CD9, DLG2, FNBP1, FRMD3, IL11RA, ISGF10, IQCE, KCNQ3, and TOX2, and low BSG/CD147, CCDC125, GABRB3, GNB2L1/RACK1 HAPLN4, HEBP2, and HSD17B12 expression was significantly associated with favourable patient event-free survival (EFS). The gene signature was associated with favourable tumour histology and NTRK1-PTPN6-TP53 module activation. Importantly, all genes were significantly associated with favourable EFS in an independent manner. Six of the signature genes, BSG/CD147, GNB2L1/RACK1, TXNDC5, FNPB1, B3GAT1, and IGSF10, play a role in cell differentiation. Our findings strongly suggest that the identified gene signature is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for neuroblastoma patients and that it is associated with neuroblastoma cell differentiation through the activation of the NTRK1-PTPN6-TP53 module.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Currie
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (D.C.); (N.W.); (I.Z.); (T.R.); (M.V.); (A.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Nicole Wong
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (D.C.); (N.W.); (I.Z.); (T.R.); (M.V.); (A.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Isabelle Zane
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (D.C.); (N.W.); (I.Z.); (T.R.); (M.V.); (A.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Tom Rix
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (D.C.); (N.W.); (I.Z.); (T.R.); (M.V.); (A.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Marios Vardakastanis
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (D.C.); (N.W.); (I.Z.); (T.R.); (M.V.); (A.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Amelia Claxton
- Innovation Hub, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK; (A.C.); (K.K.V.O.)
| | - Karine K. V. Ong
- Innovation Hub, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK; (A.C.); (K.K.V.O.)
| | - William Macmorland
- Tumour Immunology Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK;
| | - Arthur Poivet
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (D.C.); (N.W.); (I.Z.); (T.R.); (M.V.); (A.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Anthony Brooks
- Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Genomics, London WC1N 1DZ, UK;
| | | | - Derek Huntley
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (D.C.); (N.W.); (I.Z.); (T.R.); (M.V.); (A.P.); (D.H.)
| | - Ximena Montano
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (D.C.); (N.W.); (I.Z.); (T.R.); (M.V.); (A.P.); (D.H.)
- Innovation Hub, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK; (A.C.); (K.K.V.O.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
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3
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Cui Z, Zhai Z, Xie D, Wang L, Cheng F, Lou S, Zou F, Pan R, Chang S, Yao H, She J, Zhang Y, Yang X. From genomic spectrum of NTRK genes to adverse effects of its inhibitors, a comprehensive genome-based and real-world pharmacovigilance analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1329409. [PMID: 38357305 PMCID: PMC10864613 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1329409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The discovery of neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions has facilitated the development of precision oncology. Two first-generation NTRK inhibitors (larotrectinib and entrectinib) are currently approved for the treatment of patients with solid tumors harboring NTRK gene fusions. Nevertheless, comprehensive NTRK profiling at the pan-cancer genomic level and real-world studies pertaining to the adverse events of NTRK inhibitors are lacking. Methods: We characterize the genome of NTRK at the pan-cancer level through multi-omics databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, we collect reports of entrectinib and larotrectinib-induced adverse events and perform a pharmacovigilance analysis using various disproportionality methods. Results: NTRK1/2/3 expression is lower in most tumor tissues, while they have higher methylation levels. NTRK gene expression has prognostic value in some cancer types, such as breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA). The cancer type with highest NTRK alteration frequency is skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) (31.98%). Thyroid carcinoma (THCA) has the largest number of NTRK fusion cases, and the most common fusion pair is ETV6-NTRK3. Adverse drug events (ADEs) obtained from the FAERS database for larotrectinib and entrectinib are 524 and 563, respectively. At the System Organ Class (SOC) level, both drugs have positive signal value for "nervous system disorder". Other positive signals for entrectinib include "cardiac disorders", "metabolism and nutrition disorders", while for larotrectinib, it is "hepatobiliary disorders". The unexpected signals are also listed in detail. ADEs of the two NTRK inhibitors mainly occur in the first month. The median onset time of ADEs for entrectinib and larotrectinib was 16 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6-86.5) and 44 days ([IQR] 7-136), respectively. Conclusion: Our analysis provides a broad molecular view of the NTRK family. The real-world adverse drug event analysis of entrectinib and larotrectinib contributes to more refined medication management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhen Zhai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - De Xie
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Feiyan Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Siyu Lou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Fan Zou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Rumeng Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shixue Chang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Haoyan Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing She
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinyuan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Xiong X, Zeng M, Peng X, Feng C, Li C, Weng W, Li Y. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as predictors of childhood neuroblastoma relapse. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:670. [PMID: 37460933 PMCID: PMC10351183 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood malignant tumor,50% of high-risk NB children still have recurrence, and the long-term survival rate is very low. NB tumors expressing high levels of BDNF/TrkB are associated with poor survival outcomes.In this study, we show that the trends of serum concentration of BDNF at different growth stages after birth, and explore the relationship with NB replase. METHODS In experiment 1, 87 subjects were enrolled and divided into four groups, neonates group、 children group、adults group and NB patients. The distribution of serum concentration of BDNF by ELISA. In experiment 2, we studied BDNF in stage 4 NB patients to determine their frequency, correlation with clinical parameters, and prognostic impact. RESULTS First, we identified that serum BDNF concentration decreased from the newborn to childhood in healthy subjects, while it was relatively high in children(age > 1 year) with NB. In the second phase our studies showed no significant increase in serum BDNF concentration in these NB patients, with adverse pathologic features, large tumor maximum diameter, and MYCN amplification. After comprehensive treatment, levels of BDNF gradually increased in children with recurrence and decreased in the remission group. High serum BDNF concentration was associated with relapse. Of 21 stage 4 neuroblastoma patients, adopted a comprehensive treatment approach including ATO-basic modified chemotherapy, traditional radiotherapy,stem cell transplatation and immunotherapy. 76% of alive patients having > 3 years follow-up. CONCLUSION The aim is to show that BDNF is a predictor of recurrence risk of NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilin Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Medical Centre of Pediatric, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No 107 Yanjiang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Meiling Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Medical Centre of Pediatric, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No 107 Yanjiang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Xiaomin Peng
- Department of Oncology, Medical Centre of Pediatric, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No 107 Yanjiang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Chuchu Feng
- Department of Oncology, Medical Centre of Pediatric, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No 107 Yanjiang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Chunmou Li
- Department of Oncology, Medical Centre of Pediatric, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No 107 Yanjiang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Wenjun Weng
- Department of Oncology, Medical Centre of Pediatric, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No 107 Yanjiang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Oncology, Medical Centre of Pediatric, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No 107 Yanjiang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China.
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5
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Biernacka KM, Giri D, Hawton K, Segers F, Perks CM, Hamilton-Shield JP. Case report: Molecular characterisation of adipose-tissue derived cells from a patient with ROHHAD syndrome. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1128216. [PMID: 37456561 PMCID: PMC10348915 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1128216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been over 100 cases of Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) syndrome reported, but there is currently no curative treatment for children with this condition. We aimed to better characterise adipose cells from a child with ROHHAD syndrome. We isolated pre-adipocytes from a 4 year-old female patient with ROHHAD syndrome and assessed proliferation rate of these cells. We evaluated levels of DLP-Pref-1(pre-adipocyte marker) using western blotting, and concentrations of interleukin-6(IL-6) using ELISA. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatic analyses on these cells compared to tissue from an age/sex-matched control. The two most up-/down-regulated genes were validated using QPCR. We successfully isolated pre-adipocytes from a fat biopsy, by confirming the presence of Pref-1 and differentiated them to mature adipocytes. Interleukin 6, (Il-6) levels were 5.6-fold higher in ROHHAD cells compared to a control age/sex-matched biopsy. NGS revealed 25,703 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from ROHHAD cells vs. control of which 2,237 genes were significantly altered. The 20 most significantly up/down-regulated genes were selected for discussion. This paper describes the first transcriptomic analysis of adipose cells from a child with ROHHAD vs. normal control adipose tissue as a first step in identifying targetable pathways/mechanisms underlying this condition with novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina M. Biernacka
- Cancer Endocrinology Group, Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Dinesh Giri
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Hawton
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Francisca Segers
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Claire M. Perks
- Cancer Endocrinology Group, Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Julian P. Hamilton-Shield
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, Nutrition Theme, NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UBHT Education Centre, Bristol, United Kingdom
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6
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ASCL1 phosphorylation and ID2 upregulation are roadblocks to glioblastoma stem cell differentiation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2341. [PMID: 35149717 PMCID: PMC8837758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06248-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth of glioblastoma (GBM), one of the deadliest adult cancers, is fuelled by a subpopulation of stem/progenitor cells, which are thought to be the source of resistance and relapse after treatment. Re-engagement of a latent capacity of these cells to re-enter a trajectory resulting in cell differentiation is a potential new therapeutic approach for this devastating disease. ASCL1, a proneural transcription factor, plays a key role in normal brain development and is also expressed in a subset of GBM cells, but fails to engage a full differentiation programme in this context. Here, we investigated the barriers to ASCL1-driven differentiation in GBM stem cells. We see that ASCL1 is highly phosphorylated in GBM stem cells where its expression is compatible with cell proliferation. However, overexpression of a form of ASCL1 that cannot be phosphorylated on Serine–Proline sites drives GBM cells down a neuronal lineage and out of cell cycle more efficiently than its wild-type counterpart, an effect further enhanced by deletion of the inhibitor of differentiation ID2, indicating mechanisms to reverse the block to GBM cell differentiation.
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7
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Yu Z, Wang H, Song Q, Huang J, Xu J, Su J, Wang H, Tan L, Wang X, Jiang Z, Chen W, Jiang D, Hou Y. Prognostic value and characterization of NTRK1 variation by fluorescence in situ hybridization in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:3113-3121. [PMID: 33963905 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03578-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rearrangement of the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK) 1 gene is a target of tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TRKA) inhibitors, and its targeted drug (larotrectinib) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. We investigated the existence and prognostic importance of NTRK1 variation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS Fluorescence in situ hybridization of a NTRK1 rearrangement was conducted on 523 ESCC samples through tissue microarrays. Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests were used to evaluate survival. RESULTS We identified 8 (1.5%), 35(6.7%) and 109 (20.8%) cases with a NTRK1 rearrangement using 15%, 10% and 5% as cut-off values, respectively. We observed copy number (CN) variation of NTRK1 in some cases: 79 (15.1%) cases had a gain in NTRK1 CN ≥ 3, and 24 (4.6%) cases had NTRK1 CN ≥ 4. A NTRK1 rearrangement at the above-mentioned thresholds was not related to disease-free survival (DFS, P = 0.45, 0.47, 0.87) and overall survival (OS, P = 0.80, 0.74, 0.57), respectively. Gain in NTRK1 CN was associated with a poor prognosis irrespective of whether NTRK1 CN ≥ 4 (DFS, P = 0.015; OS, P = 0.035) or NTRK1 CN ≥ 3 (DFS, P = 0.039; OS, P = 0.025). CONCLUSION A NTRK1 rearrangement occurred rarely in ESCC. The increased CN of NTRK1 might be a prognostic indicator for DFS and OS in patients with ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixiang Yu
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixing Wang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Song
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xiamen Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361015, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieakesu Su
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijie Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengzeng Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijie Chen
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxian Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingyong Hou
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Pathology, Xiamen Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361015, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Rabban JT, Devine WP, Sangoi AR, Poder L, Alvarez E, Davis JL, Rudzinski E, Garg K, Bean GR. NTRK fusion cervical sarcoma: a report of three cases, emphasising morphological and immunohistochemical distinction from other uterine sarcomas, including adenosarcoma. Histopathology 2020; 77:100-111. [PMID: 31971278 DOI: 10.1111/his.14069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS A unique fibrosarcoma-like tumour of the uterine cervix harbouring a rearrangement of a neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK) gene (NTRK1 or NTRK3) has recently been described in 11 young women, some with recurrence and/or metastasis. The aims of this study were to expand the morphological spectrum of this tumour by reporting three additional cases that showed adenosarcoma-like features not previously described, one of which is the first reported to respond to targeted therapy, and to evaluate 19 conventional uterine adenosarcomas for evidence of NTRK rearrangement. METHODS AND RESULTS Three patients presented with a polyp or mass confined to the cervix. The constellation of polypoid growth, spindle cell morphology, entrapped endocervical glands and intraglandular stromal projections raised diagnostic consideration for adenosarcoma with stromal overgrowth. Deep cervical wall invasion was present in two cases at hysterectomy, and the third was removed by polypectomy. All three stained for S100 and pan-Trk, but were negative for a spectrum of other diagnostic markers. All three harboured NTRK rearrangements (TPM3-NTRK1, TPR-NTRK1, and SPECC1L-NTRK3). One patient developed pleural metastases at 16 months, received the NTRK inhibitor larotrectinib, and is free of disease 15 months later. Two others are alive without disease. None of the uterine adenosarcomas showed any S100 or pan-Trk staining, or rearrangement of NTRK1, NTRK2 or NTRK3 on next-generation sequencing. CONCLUSIONS Unusual adenosarcoma-like spindle cell neoplasms of the cervix may represent an NTRK fusion sarcoma, which can be detected by S100 and pan-Trk staining and confirmed by NTRK molecular testing. Conventional uterine adenosarcomas do not harbour NTRK rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Rabban
- Pathology Department, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - W Patrick Devine
- Pathology Department, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ankur R Sangoi
- Pathology Department, El Camino Hospital, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Liina Poder
- Radiology Department, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Edwin Alvarez
- Gynecologic Oncology Division, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Davis
- Pathology Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Erin Rudzinski
- Pathology Department, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karuna Garg
- Pathology Department, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gregory R Bean
- Pathology Department, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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9
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Gambella A, Senetta R, Collemi G, Vallero SG, Monticelli M, Cofano F, Zeppa P, Garbossa D, Pellerino A, Rudà R, Soffietti R, Fagioli F, Papotti M, Cassoni P, Bertero L. NTRK Fusions in Central Nervous System Tumors: A Rare, but Worthy Target. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030753. [PMID: 31979374 PMCID: PMC7037946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) genes (NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3) code for three transmembrane high-affinity tyrosine-kinase receptors for nerve growth factors (TRK-A, TRK-B, and TRK-C) which are mainly involved in nervous system development. Loss of function alterations in these genes can lead to nervous system development problems; conversely, activating alterations harbor oncogenic potential, promoting cell proliferation/survival and tumorigenesis. Chromosomal rearrangements are the most clinically relevant alterations of pathological NTRK activation, leading to constitutionally active chimeric receptors. NTRK fusions have been detected with extremely variable frequencies in many pediatric and adult cancer types, including central nervous system (CNS) tumors. These alterations can be detected by different laboratory assays (e.g., immunohistochemistry, FISH, sequencing), but each of these approaches has specific advantages and limitations which must be taken into account for an appropriate use in diagnostics or research. Moreover, therapeutic targeting of this molecular marker recently showed extreme efficacy. Considering the overall lack of effective treatments for brain neoplasms, it is expected that detection of NTRK fusions will soon become a mainstay in the diagnostic assessment of CNS tumors, and thus in-depth knowledge regarding this topic is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gambella
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.S.); (M.P.)
| | - Giammarco Collemi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefano Gabriele Vallero
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology Unit, Department of Pediatric and Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.V.); (F.F.)
| | - Matteo Monticelli
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.M.); (F.C.); (P.Z.); (D.G.)
| | - Fabio Cofano
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.M.); (F.C.); (P.Z.); (D.G.)
| | - Pietro Zeppa
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.M.); (F.C.); (P.Z.); (D.G.)
| | - Diego Garbossa
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.M.); (F.C.); (P.Z.); (D.G.)
| | - Alessia Pellerino
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Roberta Rudà
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Riccardo Soffietti
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Franca Fagioli
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology Unit, Department of Pediatric and Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.V.); (F.F.)
| | - Mauro Papotti
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.S.); (M.P.)
| | - Paola Cassoni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Luca Bertero
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.G.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-633-5466
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10
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Lebedev TD, Vagapova ER, Popenko VI, Leonova OG, Spirin PV, Prassolov VS. Two Receptors, Two Isoforms, Two Cancers: Comprehensive Analysis of KIT and TrkA Expression in Neuroblastoma and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1046. [PMID: 31681584 PMCID: PMC6813278 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancers represent a wide variety of different tumors, though they have unique features that distinguish them from adult cancers. Receptor tyrosine kinases KIT and TrkA functions in AML and NB, respectively, are well-characterized. Though expression of these receptors is found in both tumors, little is known about KIT function in NB and TrkA in AML. By combining gene enrichment analysis with multidimensional scaling we showed that pediatric AMLs with t(8;21) or inv16 and high KIT expression levels stand out from other AML subtypes as they share prominent transcriptomic features exclusively with KIT-overexpressing NBs. We showed that AML cell lines had a predominant expression of an alternative TrkAIII isoform, which reportedly has oncogenic features, while NB cell lines had dominating TrkAI-II isoforms. NB cells, on the other hand, had an abnormal ratio of KIT isoforms as opposed to AML cells. Both SCF and NGF exerted protective action against doxorubicin and cytarabine for t(8;21) AML and NB cells. We identified several gene sets both unique and common for pediatric AML and NB, and this expression is associated with KIT or TrkA levels. NMU, DUSP4, RET, SUSD5, NOS1, and GABRA5 genes are differentially expressed in NBs with high KIT expression and are associated with poor survival in NB. We identified HOXA10, BAG3, and MARCKS genes that are connected with TrkA expression and are marker genes of poor outcome in AML. We also report that SLC18A2, PLXNC1, and MRPL33 gene expression is associated with TrkA or KIT expression levels in both AML and NB, and these genes have a prognostic value for both cancers. Thus, we have provided a comprehensive characterization of TrkA and KIT expression along with the oncogenic signatures of these genes across two pediatric tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timofey D Lebedev
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elmira R Vagapova
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir I Popenko
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga G Leonova
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel V Spirin
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Prassolov
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, Moscow, Russia
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11
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The presence of Y674/Y675 phosphorylated NTRK1 via TP53 repression of PTPN6 expression as a potential prognostic marker in neuroblastoma. Hum Pathol 2018; 86:182-192. [PMID: 30594749 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor TP53 promotes nerve growth factor receptor (NTRK1) -Y674/Y675 phosphorylation (NTRK1-pY674/pY675) via repression of the NTRK1 phosphatase PTPN6 in a ligand-independent manner, resulting in suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, NTRK1-pY674/pY675 together with low levels of PTPN6 and TP53 expression is associated with favorable disease-free survival of breast cancer patients. We determined whether in neuroblastoma this protein expression pattern impacts relapse-free survival (RFS). NTRK1-pY674/pY675, PTPN6, and TP53 expression was assessed in 98 neuroblastoma samples by immunohistochemistry. Association between expression levels and RFS was investigated by multivariate and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Mutant or wild-type TP53 was identified by sequencing tumor DNA. Tumors expressing NTRK1-pY674/pY675 and low or undetectable levels of PTPN6 and TP53 were significantly associated with 5-year RFS (P = .014) when the dataset was stratified by MYCN amplification, segmental chromosomal abnormalities and histology. Similar results were observed with tumors expressing wild-type TP53, NTRK1-pY674/pY675 and low or undetectable levels of PTPN6. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significant correlation (P = .004), with a 50% probability of RFS (median survival 4.73 years) when present compared with 19.51% (median survival 11.63 months) when absent. Similar results were seen with non-amplified MYCN or unfavorable/undifferentiating samples and tumors from patients aged 18 months or less. Importantly, NTRK1-pY674/pY675 is an independent predictor of improved RFS. These results strongly suggest that NTRK1-pY674/pY675 together with wild-type TP53 and undetectable or low levels of PTPN6 expression is a potential biomarker of improved RFS of neuroblastoma patients. The predictive value of NTRK1-pY674/pY675 together with wild-type TP53 and low PTPN6 expression could contribute to neuroblastoma patient prognosis.
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12
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Meng L, Liu B, Ji R, Jiang X, Yan X, Xin Y. Targeting the BDNF/TrkB pathway for the treatment of tumors. Oncol Lett 2018; 17:2031-2039. [PMID: 30675270 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that regulate neural survival, development, function and plasticity in the central and the peripheral nervous system. There are four neurotrophins: nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and NT-4. Among them, BDNF is the most studied due to its high expression in the brain. Over the past two decades, BDNF and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) have been reported to be upregulated in a wide range of tumors. This activated signal stimulates a series of downstream pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, Ras-Raf-mitogen activated protein kinase kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinases, the phospholipase-C-γ pathway and the transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor. Activation of these signaling pathways induces oncogenic effects by increasing cancer cell growth, proliferation, survival, migration and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and decreasing anoikis, relapse and chemotherapeutic sensitivity. The present review summarizes recent findings to discuss the role of BDNF in tumors, the underlying molecular mechanism, targeting Trk receptors for treatment of cancers and its potential risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbin Meng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
| | - Baoqiong Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
| | - Rui Ji
- Department of Biology, Valencia College, Orlando, FL 32825, USA
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xuebo Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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13
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Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and 6-OH-11-O-Hydroxyphenanthrene Limit BE(2)-C Neuroblastoma Cell Growth and Neurosphere Formation In Vitro. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10091141. [PMID: 30135355 PMCID: PMC6164794 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted an in vitro study combining a rexinoid, 6-OH-11-O-hydroxyphenanthrene (IIF), and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is the main catechin of green tea, on BE(2)-C, a neuroblastoma cell line representative of the high-risk group of patients. Neuroblastoma is the most common malignancy of childhood: high-risk patients, having N-MYC over-expression, undergo aggressive therapy and show high mortality or an increased risk of secondary malignancies. Retinoids are used in neuroblastoma therapy with incomplete success: the association of a second molecule might improve the efficacy. BE(2)-C cells were treated by EGCG and IIF, individually or in combination: cell viability, as evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, was reduced, EGCG+IIF being the most effective treatment. Apoptosis occurred and the EGCG+IIF treatment decreased N-MYC protein expression and molecular markers of invasion (MMP-2, MMP-9 and COX-2). Zymography demonstrated nearly 50% inhibition of MMP activity. When BE(2)-C cells were grown in non-adherent conditions to enrich the tumor-initiating cell population, BE(2)-C-spheres were obtained. After 48 h and 72 h treatment, EGCG+IIF limited BE(2)-C-sphere formation and elicited cell death with a reduction of N-MYC expression. We concluded that the association of EGCG to IIF might be applied without toxic effects to overcome the incomplete success of retinoid treatments in neuroblastoma patients.
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14
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Inhibiting TRK Proteins in Clinical Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10040105. [PMID: 29617282 PMCID: PMC5923360 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10040105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene rearrangements resulting in the aberrant activity of tyrosine kinases have been identified as drivers of oncogenesis in a variety of cancers. The tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) family of tyrosine receptor kinases is emerging as an important target for cancer therapeutics. The TRK family contains three members, TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC, and these proteins are encoded by the genes NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3, respectively. To activate TRK receptors, neurotrophins bind to the extracellular region stimulating dimerization, phosphorylation, and activation of downstream signaling pathways. Major known downstream pathways include RAS/MAPK/ERK, PLCγ, and PI3K/Akt. While being rare in most cancers, TRK fusions with other proteins have been well-established as oncogenic events in specific malignancies, including glioblastoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and secretory breast carcinomas. TRK protein amplification as well as alternative splicing events have also been described as contributors to cancer pathogenesis. For patients harboring alterations in TRK expression or activity, TRK inhibition emerges as an important therapeutic target. To date, multiple trials testing TRK-inhibiting compounds in various cancers are underway. In this review, we will summarize the current therapeutic trials for neoplasms involving NTKR gene alterations, as well as the promises and setbacks that are associated with targeting gene fusions.
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15
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Orentas RJ, Sindiri S, Duris C, Wen X, He J, Wei JS, Jarzembowski J, Khan J. Paired Expression Analysis of Tumor Cell Surface Antigens. Front Oncol 2017; 7:173. [PMID: 28871274 PMCID: PMC5566986 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with antibody-based therapy or with T cells transduced to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is useful to the extent that the cell surface membrane protein being targeted is not expressed on normal tissues. The most successful CAR-based (anti-CD19) or antibody-based therapy (anti-CD20) in hematologic malignancies has the side effect of eliminating the normal B cell compartment. Targeting solid tumors may not provide a similar expendable marker. Beyond antibody to Her2/NEU and EGFR, very few antibody-based and no CAR-based therapies have seen broad clinical application for solid tumors. To expand the way in which the surfaceome of solid tumors can be analyzed, we created an algorithm that defines the pairwise relative overexpression of surface antigens. This enables the development of specific immunotherapies that require the expression of two discrete antigens on the surface of the tumor target. This dyad analysis was facilitated by employing the Hotelling’s T-squared test (Hotelling–Lawley multivariate analysis of variance) for two independent variables in comparison to a third constant entity (i.e., gene expression levels in normal tissues). We also present a unique consensus scoring mechanism for identifying transcripts that encode cell surface proteins. The unique application of our bioinformatics processing pipeline and statistical tools allowed us to compare the expression of two membrane protein targets as a pair, and to propose a new strategy based on implementing immunotherapies that require both antigens to be expressed on the tumor cell surface to trigger therapeutic effector mechanisms. Specifically, we found that, for MYCN amplified neuroblastoma, pairwise expression of ACVR2B or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) with GFRA3, GFRA2, Cadherin 24, or with one another provided the strongest hits. For MYCN, non-amplified stage 4 neuroblastoma, neurotrophic tyrosine kinase 1, or ALK paired with GFRA2, GFRA3, SSK1, GPR173, or with one another provided the most promising paired-hits. We propose that targeting these markers together would increase the specificity and thereby the safety of CAR-based therapy for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimas J Orentas
- Lentigen Technology, Inc., a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Sivasish Sindiri
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christine Duris
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Xinyu Wen
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jianbin He
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jun S Wei
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jason Jarzembowski
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Javed Khan
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Abstract
We describe two children with ganglioneuroma (GN) likely originating from incompletely resected neuroblastoma (NB) during infancy, stages 2A and 2B, who did not undergo postoperative adjuvant chemotherapies. Both NB tumors had no MYCN amplification, had TrKA but no TrkB expression, and by TUNEL had apoptosis. These findings may have contributed to spontaneous maturation of the residual primary NB and hence the favorable prognosis, which suggests surgery alone might be the sufficient initial therapy for low-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Gang Yao
- a Department of Pathology , Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Xiu-Mei Liu
- b Department of Pathology , Qi Lu Children's Hospital of Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Ye-Jun Qin
- a Department of Pathology , Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan , China
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17
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Vartholomaiou E, Echeverría PC, Picard D. Unusual Suspects in the Twilight Zone Between the Hsp90 Interactome and Carcinogenesis. Adv Cancer Res 2015; 129:1-30. [PMID: 26915999 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The molecular chaperone Hsp90 has attracted a lot of interest in cancer research ever since cancer cells were found to be more sensitive to Hsp90 inhibition than normal cells. Why that is has remained a matter of debate and is still unclear. In addition to increased Hsp90 dependence for some mutant cancer proteins and modifications of the Hsp90 machinery itself, a number of other characteristics of cancer cells probably contribute to this phenomenon; these include aneuploidy and overall increased numbers and levels of defective and mutant proteins, which all contribute to perturbed proteostasis. Work over the last two decades has demonstrated that many cancer-related proteins are Hsp90 clients, and yet only few of them have been extensively investigated, selected either on the basis of their obvious function as cancer drivers or because they proved to be convenient biomarkers for monitoring the effects of Hsp90 inhibitors. The purpose of our review is to go beyond these "usual suspects." We established a workflow to select poorly studied proteins that are related to cancer processes and qualify as Hsp90 clients. By discussing and taking a fresh look at these "unusual suspects," we hope to stimulate others to revisit them as novel therapeutic targets or diagnostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo C Echeverría
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Didier Picard
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, Geneva, Switzerland.
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18
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Palacios-Moreno J, Foltz L, Guo A, Stokes MP, Kuehn ED, George L, Comb M, Grimes ML. Neuroblastoma tyrosine kinase signaling networks involve FYN and LYN in endosomes and lipid rafts. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004130. [PMID: 25884760 PMCID: PMC4401789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation plays a central role in creating a highly dynamic network of interacting proteins that reads and responds to signals from growth factors in the cellular microenvironment. Cells of the neural crest employ multiple signaling mechanisms to control migration and differentiation during development. It is known that defects in these mechanisms cause neuroblastoma, but how multiple signaling pathways interact to govern cell behavior is unknown. In a phosphoproteomic study of neuroblastoma cell lines and cell fractions, including endosomes and detergent-resistant membranes, 1622 phosphorylated proteins were detected, including more than half of the receptor tyrosine kinases in the human genome. Data were analyzed using a combination of graph theory and pattern recognition techniques that resolve data structure into networks that incorporate statistical relationships and protein-protein interaction data. Clusters of proteins in these networks are indicative of functional signaling pathways. The analysis indicates that receptor tyrosine kinases are functionally compartmentalized into distinct collaborative groups distinguished by activation and intracellular localization of SRC-family kinases, especially FYN and LYN. Changes in intracellular localization of activated FYN and LYN were observed in response to stimulation of the receptor tyrosine kinases, ALK and KIT. The results suggest a mechanism to distinguish signaling responses to activation of different receptors, or combinations of receptors, that govern the behavior of the neural crest, which gives rise to neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer for which therapeutic progress has been slow. We analyzed a large number phosphorylated proteins in neuroblastoma cells to discern patterns that indicate functional signal transduction pathways. To analyze the data, we developed novel techniques that resolve data structure and visualize that structure as networks that represent both protein interactions and statistical relationships. We also fractionated neuroblastoma cells to examine the location of signaling proteins in different membrane fractions and organelles. The analysis revealed that signaling pathways are functionally and physically compartmentalized into distinct collaborative groups distinguished by phosphorylation patterns and intracellular localization. We found that two related proteins (FYN and LYN) act like central hubs in the tyrosine kinase signaling network that change intracellular localization and activity in response to activation of different receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Palacios-Moreno
- Division of Biological Sciences, Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Lauren Foltz
- Division of Biological Sciences, Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Ailan Guo
- Cell Signaling Technology, Inc., Danvers, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew P. Stokes
- Cell Signaling Technology, Inc., Danvers, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Emily D. Kuehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lynn George
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Michael Comb
- Cell Signaling Technology, Inc., Danvers, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mark L. Grimes
- Division of Biological Sciences, Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Solari V, Borriello L, Turcatel G, Shimada H, Sposto R, Fernandez GE, Asgharzadeh S, Yates EA, Turnbull JE, DeClerck YA. MYCN-dependent expression of sulfatase-2 regulates neuroblastoma cell survival. Cancer Res 2014; 74:5999-6009. [PMID: 25164011 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-2513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) play a critical role in the interaction of tumor cells and their microenvironment. HSPG activity is dictated by sulfation patterns controlled by sulfotransferases, which add sulfate groups, and sulfatases (Sulf), which remove 6-O-sulfates. Here, we report altered expression of these enzymes in human neuroblastoma cells with higher levels of Sulf-2 expression, a specific feature of MYCN-amplified cells (MYCN-A cells) that represent a particularly aggressive subclass. Sulf-2 overexpression in neuroblastoma cells lacking MYCN amplification (MYCN-NA cells) increased their in vitro survival. Mechanistic investigations revealed evidence of a link between Sulf-2 expression and MYCN pathogenicity in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of Sulf-2 protein expression in 65 human neuroblastoma tumors demonstrated a higher level of Sulf-2 expression in MYCN-A tumors than in MYCN-NA tumors. In two different patient cohorts, we confirmed the association in expression patterns of Sulf-2 and MYCN and determined that Sulf-2 overexpression predicted poor outcomes in a nonindependent manner with MYCN. Our findings define Sulf-2 as a novel positive regulator of neuroblastoma pathogenicity that contributes to MYCN oncogenicity. Cancer Res; 74(21); 5999-6009. ©2014 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Solari
- Centre for Glycobiology, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lucia Borriello
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gianluca Turcatel
- The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California
| | - Hiroyuki Shimada
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Richard Sposto
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - G Esteban Fernandez
- The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shahab Asgharzadeh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Edwin A Yates
- Centre for Glycobiology, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy E Turnbull
- Centre for Glycobiology, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Yves A DeClerck
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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20
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Shah N, Wang J, Selich-Anderson J, Graham G, Siddiqui H, Li X, Khan J, Toretsky J. PBX1 is a favorable prognostic biomarker as it modulates 13-cis retinoic acid-mediated differentiation in neuroblastoma. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:4400-12. [PMID: 24947929 PMCID: PMC4134768 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-1486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neuroblastoma is an embryonic childhood cancer with high mortality. 13-cis retinoic acid (13-cisRA) improves survival for some patients, but many recur, suggesting clinical resistance. The mechanism of resistance and the normal differentiation pathway are poorly understood. Three-amino-acid loop extension (TALE) family genes are master regulators of differentiation. Because retinoids promote differentiation in neuroblastoma, we evaluated TALE family gene expression in neuroblastoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We evaluated expression of TALE family genes in RA-sensitive and -resistant neuroblastoma cell lines, with and without 13-cisRA treatment, identifying genes whose expression correlates with retinoid sensitivity. We evaluated the roles of one gene, PBX1, in neuroblastoma cell lines, including proliferation and differentiation. We evaluated PBX1 expression in primary human neuroblastoma samples by qRT-PCR, and three independent clinical cohort microarray datasets. RESULTS We confirmed that induction of PBX1 expression, and no other TALE family genes, was associated with 13-cisRA responsiveness in neuroblastoma cell lines. Exogenous PBX1 expression in neuroblastoma cell lines, mimicking induced PBX1 expression, significantly impaired proliferation and anchorage-independent growth, and promoted RA-dependent and -independent differentiation. Reduced PBX1 protein levels produced an aggressive growth phenotype and RA resistance. PBX1 expression correlated with histologic neuroblastoma subtypes, with highest expression in benign ganglioneuromas and lowest in high-risk neuroblastomas. High PBX1 expression is prognostic of survival, including in multivariate analysis, in the three clinical cohorts. CONCLUSIONS PBX1 is an essential regulator of differentiation in neuroblastoma and potentiates retinoid-induced differentiation. Neuroblastoma cells and tumors with low PBX1 expression have an immature phenotype with poorer prognosis, independent of other risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilay Shah
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute of Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio;
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Oncogenomics Section, Advanced Technology Center, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Julia Selich-Anderson
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute of Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Garrett Graham
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center; and
| | - Hasan Siddiqui
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute of Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C
| | - Javed Khan
- Oncogenomics Section, Advanced Technology Center, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center; and
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21
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Palani M, Arunkumar R, Vanisree AJ. Methylation and expression patterns of tropomyosin-related kinase genes in different grades of glioma. Neuromolecular Med 2014; 16:529-39. [PMID: 24840578 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-014-8303-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Tropomyosin-related kinase family (NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3) is well known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of brain tumour, which exhibit heterogeneity in its biological and clinical behaviour. However, the mechanism that regulates NTRKs in glioma is not well understood. The present study investigates the epigenetic status (methylation) of NTRKs and their expression in different grades of glioma. Promoter methylation and structural relationship of NTRKs was assessed using methylation-specific PCR followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation in brain tissue samples from 220 subjects with different grades of glioma. Control brain samples were also assessed similarly. Reverse transcriptase PCR was performed to analyse the expressions of NTRK mRNAs in the grades of glioma. In addition, the expression level of p75(NTR) protein was analysed using immunofluorescent technique in all of the samples. The overall percentage of NTRK3 gene methylation frequency with subsequent loss of mRNA expression was significantly higher in glioma compared with control samples (p < 0.05). No such significance was observed in other NTRK1 and NTRK2 genes. Further, mRNA expression pattern of NTRK1 and NTRK2 genes was found to be significantly higher in low grades as compared with high grades (HG) and control samples (p < 0.05). Survival rate of HG patients with negative expressions of NTRK1 and NTRK2 was poor than those with the positive expressions of both NTRK1 and NTRK2. Further, a significant correlation was observed with reduced expression of p75(NTR) and the expression pattern of NTRK family in glioma as compared with the control samples (p < 0.05). There exists a correlation between the expression of NTRK family and different grades of glioma with a significant suggestion that the promoter methylation does not play role in the regulation of these genes in glioma. Further, poor survival could be associated with NTRK mRNAs 1 and 2. Hence, NTRKs are potential probes for assessing the behaviour of different grades of glioma, which could also function as significant prognostic factors and thus deserve wider attention for an effective management of the grades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahalakshmi Palani
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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22
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Veschi V, Petroni M, Bartolazzi A, Altavista P, Dominici C, Capalbo C, Boldrini R, Castellano A, McDowell HP, Pizer B, Frati L, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Giannini G. Galectin-3 is a marker of favorable prognosis and a biologically relevant molecule in neuroblastic tumors. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1100. [PMID: 24603328 PMCID: PMC3973198 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Childhood neuroblastic tumors are characterized by heterogeneous clinical courses, ranging from benign ganglioneuroma (GN) to highly lethal neuroblastoma (NB). Although a refined prognostic evaluation and risk stratification of each tumor patient is becoming increasingly essential to personalize treatment options, currently only few biomolecular markers (essentially MYCN amplification, chromosome 11q status and DNA ploidy) are validated for this purpose in neuroblastic tumors. Here we report that Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin involved in multiple biological functions that has already acquired diagnostic relevance in specific clinical settings, is variably expressed in most differentiated and less aggressive neuroblastic tumors, such as GN and ganglioneuroblastoma, as well as in a subset of NB cases. Gal-3 expression is associated with the INPC histopathological categorization (P<0.001) and Shimada favorable phenotype (P=0.001), but not with other prognostically relevant features. Importantly, Gal-3 expression was associated with a better 5-year overall survival (P=0.003), and with improved cumulative survival in patient subsets at worse prognosis, such as older age at diagnosis, advanced stages or NB histopathological classification. In vitro, Gal-3 expression and nuclear accumulation accompanied retinoic acid-induced cell differentiation in NB cell lines. Forced Gal-3 overexpression increased phenotypic differentiation and substrate adherence, while inhibiting proliferation. Altogether, these findings suggest that Gal-3 is a biologically relevant player for neuroblastic tumors, whose determination by conventional immunohistochemistry might be used for outcome assessment and patient's risk stratification in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Veschi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - M Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - A Bartolazzi
- 1] Department of Pathology, St. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy [2] Pathology Research Laboratory, Cancer Center Karolinska (CCK), Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Altavista
- Unit of Radiation Biology and Human Health, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Research Center Casaccia, Rome, Italy
| | - C Dominici
- 1] Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy [2] School of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Liverpool University, Liverpool, UK
| | - C Capalbo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - R Boldrini
- Division of Pathology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Castellano
- Division of Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - H P McDowell
- 1] Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy [2] School of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Liverpool University, Liverpool, UK
| | - B Pizer
- Department of Oncology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - L Frati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - I Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - A Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - G Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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23
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Redden RA, Iyer R, Brodeur GM, Doolin EJ. Rotary bioreactor culture can discern specific behavior phenotypes in Trk-null and Trk-expressing neuroblastoma cell lines. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2014; 50:188-93. [PMID: 24477561 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-013-9716-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is characterized by biological and genetic heterogeneity that leads to diverse, often unpredictable, clinical behavior. Differential expression of the Trk family of neurotrophin receptors strongly correlates with clinical behavior; TrkA expression is associated with favorable outcome, whereas TrkB with unfavorable outcome. Neuroblastoma cells cultured in a microgravity rotary bioreactor spontaneously aggregate into tumor-like structures, called organoids. We wanted to determine if the clinical heterogeneity of TrkA- or TrkB-expressing neuroblastomas was reflected in aggregation kinetics and organoid morphology. Trk-null SY5Y cells were stably transfected to express either TrkA or TrkB. Short-term aggregation kinetics were determined by counting the number of single (non-aggregated) viable cells in the supernatant over time. Organoids were harvested after 8 d of bioreactor culture, stained, and analyzed morphometrically. SY5Y-TrkA cells aggregated significantly slower than SY5Y and SY5Y-TrkB cells, as quantified by several measures of aggregation. SY5Y and TrkB cell lines formed irregularly shaped organoids, featuring stellate projections. In contrast, TrkA cells formed smooth (non-stellate) organoids. SY5Y organoids were slightly smaller on average, but had significantly larger average perimeter than TrkA or TrkB organoids. TrkA expression alone is sufficient to dramatically alter the behavior of neuroblastoma cells in three-dimensional, in vitro rotary bioreactor culture. This pattern is consistent with both clinical behavior and in vivo tumorigenicity, in that SY5Y-TrkA represents a more differentiated, less aggressive phenotype. The microgravity bioreactor is a useful in vitro tool to rapidly investigate the biological characteristics of neuroblastoma and potentially to assess the effect of cytotoxic as well as biologically targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Redden
- Department of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Blvd. Wood Center, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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